CHEF - owner
Lee Purcell

Was raised in North Yorkshire and as a child he loved to pick tomatoes and flowers for his mother. He then decided to bring a little salt along with him for his tomato picking trips, this was his first experimentation into food.

Lee learned his basic skills in many restaurants in the North, including the Michelin star restaurant at Calcot Manor. His first taste of Italian cooking was when he moved to Barnes in London and worked at Sonny’s; he hasn’t looked back since.

Over 15 years experience in the Finest Italian Restaurants in London Lees’ aim is to bring a fresh, traditional Italian taste to St Albans, with a seasonal changing menu.

Lee’s cookbook – Daphne’s was published in 1999.
One of the Top Forty Chefs in England “Square Meal 2004”
Daphne’s in Chelsea – Excellent selection and great for star spotting
Shumi in Mayfair – one of the finest London Italian Restaurants GQ 2004
Artigiano in Belsize Park London – Finest Italian Cuisine
Sartoria in Mayfair London - Italian Food with Style

Managing Partner
Giuseppe Mola

Was born in Mola Di Bari, Italy. His family started in the restaurant industry in 1904 in Mola Di Bari, Puglia, Southern Italy.

Giuseppe has over 15 years experience in many Italian Restaurants Around the World Gigino and Sandro’s in New York just being a few of them.

Giuseppe has opened this restaurant to create an ambiance and style of service that is reminiscent of home.

Gigino’s is a true hideaway, a place you bring friends to watch them relish an old-fashioned lusty pizzaiola sauce over a lustier grilled prime rib, or a chicken scapariello remorselessly uncouth with garlic.

NEW YORK RESTAURANT GUIDE

Gigino's pastas are impressive. Spaghetti del padrino turned out to be as good as the waiter promised: a beautiful mix of colors and textures that tasted absolutely terrific.

NEW YORK TIMES

Sandro’s – New Yorkers should be cheering!

NEW YORK TIMES